A campervan conversion kit is part custom build and part DIY campervan. You buy a kit from a company that includes things like the bed framing, kitchen, pull-out drawers, etc., then you do the installation on your own. Van conversion kits can run anywhere from $4,000-$20,000, or you can just buy one component, like a kitchen.

Campervan conversion kits are part DIY and part custom build.

This is way cheaper than a custom camper van build, which can go well over $100,000. To boot, a campervan conversion kit can be used on vehicles that aren’t vans, like minivans, or to build an SUV camper.

It takes some serious DIY skill to fully build out a campervan on your own, and if you’ve never built something in your life, it can all feel quite daunting. Some people get by reading articles online and watching DIY van build videos, but your finished product might not be up to the standards you hoped.

Van conversion kits for a campervan strike a happy medium between a custom build and a DIY project. Check out these top camper conversion kits so you can start living the van life right now.

Both of these kits can be financed through the dealer where you buy a campervan, which is pretty awesome if you don’t have the money to pay up front.

Here are the key differences between these two kits.

Wally Campervan Conversion Kit – $4,696

If you’re converting a Dodge City Cargo van, your kit will be under $5,000. You can either install it on your own or bring it into the Wayfarer shop for free installation.

This kit includes durable insulating panels, a sturdy table that folds up against the wall, flooring, and camper boxes with cushions. At night, these cushioned camper boxes turn into your bed.

You can also purchase each component separately, then install it yourself.

Walter Campervan Conversion Kit – $8, 795

If you’re converting a larger Dodge, like a Promaster 1500 or 2500, 136″ wheelbase, high-top van, your van conversion kit will run you under $9,000.

This kit includes flooring, wall and ceiling paneling with wool insulation, perimeter shelving, a kitchen with 5-gallon fresh and greywater tanks, a sink, bed platform and privacy paneling for the sliding door and rear windows.

You can’t DIY this van conversion kit, but have to take it into the shop.

As with the Wally kit, you can order each component separately if you’re trying to build out just part of your van.

3) Contra Vans Camper Conversion Kit

Van Type: 2015 or newer Dodge City (Cargo or Wagon), and 2013 or newer Ford Transit Connect. Plus, this kit fits several other models

Cost: Base rate of $8,995

Location: Denver, Colorado

Contra Vans camper conversion kits for a smaller van make great use out of limited space. These van conversion kits come with a comfortable, full-size memory foam bed and two long, pull-out drawers. Also includes a ceiling fan and a retractable kitchen.

You can also choose from a variety of add-ons such as roof racks, floor mats, awnings, bike racks and more so you get a campervan just for you.

Contra Vans is really flexible with how they do your campervan kit, so just reach out and ask.

If you purchase a van through a dealer, you can add on the conversion kit and have the van shipped right to Contra Vans in Denver, where your van will be finished in a few days.

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4) Zen Vans Campervan Conversion Kits

Photo: ZensVanz

Van Type: Mercedes Sprinter

Cost: $18,000-$22,000

Location: Portland, Oregon

ZensVans makes a DIY campervan conversion kit that’s absolutely stunning to look at, with its aluminum exoskeleton and bent bamboo panels. These components are installed in your Mercedes Sprinter van using the factory holes and can be easily removed as needed.

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5) QuQuQ Camping Module

Photo: QuQuQ

Van Type: Many

Cost: $3,990-$4,990

Location: New U.S. dealer in Clovis, California (brand based in Europe)

QuQuQ‘s amazing little “van-in-a-box” modules turn your van into a camper with barely any effort. The bed pulls out of the box, which also has several pull-out drawers with a stove, cooler and storage space. For real, you can turn any van into a camper in just a few minutes with this unique set-up.

QuQuQ started in Europe and is now expanding into the United States, appearing at several shows across the country in 2020.

Photo: QUQUQ

The really cool thing about the Ququq boxes is that it can turn almost any type of vehicle into a camper. Just fold down the back and middle seats, put the box in your trunk and spread open the mattress. Ququq’s website shows the box in minivans, larger vans, and even a small Jeep.

7) Campervan Kitchen Kit from Trail Kitchens

Photo: Trail Kitchens

Van Type: Any

Cost: $2,665

Location: Truckee, California

These modular kitchen kits by Trail Kitchens can go in any type of campervan. This campervan kitchen conversion kit comes with a complete water system and indoor/outdoor cooking system for a DIY campervan.

You’ll get a 14-gallon marine grade water system with a portable sink/stove unit, all put together in a space-saving, compact package. You can either cook inside your campervan or pull the entire unit outside and cook under the sky.

This diy campervan kitchen kit has additional add-on options, including a hot water heater for hot showers and cleanup. This removable kitchen pod has places to organize your utensils and camping gear, all in one place.

Rent a campervan before you buy or build

One great way to test out vans is to rent one before you jump on the buyer’s bandwagon.

Use the coupon code wayward40 to get $40 off any rental through Outdoorsy. Click below to browse all the vans!

Want more help building out a DIY campervan?

If you’re ready to start building your own DIY camper van conversion right now, there’s an amazing book that will help you convert your van. And despite the title, this book doesn’t only apply to Sprinter vans. I asked the author this question myself as I bought the book to help me with my Chevy Astro.

The Sprinter RV Conversion Sourcebook is 378-pages of pure conversion gold, written by Greg Keith, who is currently on his THIRD Sprinter van conversion. I’d say this guy knows what he’s talking about when it comes to camper vans.

Here’s some of what you’ll get from the book, which again, applies to any van conversion:

An RV plumbing chapter on pipes, fittings, tanks, pumps, water heaters, toilets, you name it

How to get internet access in your van

The five criteria to think about when insulating your camper van

Advice on choosing solar panels

How to install blackwater, greywater and freshwater tanks

Fifty pages of information on designing an electrical system and wiring your campervan conversion

Remember, so much of this info can also be used on a small camper van, or any type of van, really.

Conclusion on campervan conversion kits

If you’re trying to build a DIY campervan but need a little help, these campervan conversion kits are just what you need.

You can choose anything from an expensive interior kit for a Mercedes Sprinter van to a cheaper minivan conversion kit with just a bed frame and pull-out drawers.

These companies offer high-quality kits that can be installed in a campervan in a matter of minutes or days. You won’t have to spend hours and hours watching DIY campervan YouTube videos if you order one of these kits. They’ll help get your campervan on the road even faster.

About Kristin Hanes

Kristin Hanes is a journalist and writer who lives on a sailboat and in a Chevy Astro van in San Francisco. She worked in radio news for 15 years before a massive layoff in 2016. Kristin has written articles about alternative living published in Good Housekeeping, Business Insider, Marie Claire, SF Gate and The Bold Italic, among others.

Comments

I personally can not see installing cabinets or the like in my van for living. It is to much extra weight and takes up to much room,where you can lust place everything in plastic tubs and slide them under the bed. This is more economical gas wise.
When living in a van, expenses and extra space are essential.
I usually go to the big box stores for recommendations and supplies. . (Home Depot, etc)

i worry that the availability of these super premium kits will lead to a socio-economic stratification in the van dweller community with those in sprinters with deluxe conversions looking down their noses at people who have just the basics in an old vehicle. i hope not but you know human nature.

Hi, I'm Kristin Hanes! I live in a sailboat and in a van, and am editor-in-chief of The Wayward Home, a site all about a new type of American Dream. Stick around to learn about campervans, RV living, sailboats and tiny homes. Head to my About Me page to learn more.

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